amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism
3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·
what connects to a light switch? ACTIVE OR NEUTRAL?
home electrics.
type3lover in the garage...
796 posts · joined Feb 2005 ·
Active goes through the switch to the light fitting. Neutral goes straight to the light fitting.
.
68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --
11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Yes, as the above reply...
[b[
the active goes to thru the light switch...[/b]
although I've found a few, years ago the other way round.
it still works both ways..
but with the neutral thru the switch:
and if you are changing a bulb and somehow the top of the socket unscrewed or came off and your finger touched the wire connector, You would get a shock...
but if You had joggers on and the aluminium ladder was on a rubber backed carpet, it wouldn't kill You...
Lee
[b[
the active goes to thru the light switch...[/b]
although I've found a few, years ago the other way round.
it still works both ways..
but with the neutral thru the switch:
and if you are changing a bulb and somehow the top of the socket unscrewed or came off and your finger touched the wire connector, You would get a shock...
but if You had joggers on and the aluminium ladder was on a rubber backed carpet, it wouldn't kill You...
Lee
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---
blutopless2 DAMSLO
2,457 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·
it will depend upon how the house has been wired...
there are two ways to wire in the lighting:
1. run the main cable (red/black/green&yellow) to the light fitting then run a "switch" cable down the wall (red/white) to the light switch.
this is the way it is usually done especially for architrave switches as you had limited room for cables.
2. run the main cable down to the light switch and a second cable to the light.
in the switch area the two reds are connected to either side of the switch ie common and normally open side... then the neutrals (black) are connected together in the terminal marked "loop" and the earths connected together also.
have found that method 2 is used if the person did not have the red & white switch wire cable or they had plenty of room for the larger cables in the wall cavity.
DO NOT USE THE NEUTRAL AS A SWITCH WIRE. IT IS ILLEGAL AND VERY DANGEROUS.
there are two ways to wire in the lighting:
1. run the main cable (red/black/green&yellow) to the light fitting then run a "switch" cable down the wall (red/white) to the light switch.
this is the way it is usually done especially for architrave switches as you had limited room for cables.
2. run the main cable down to the light switch and a second cable to the light.
in the switch area the two reds are connected to either side of the switch ie common and normally open side... then the neutrals (black) are connected together in the terminal marked "loop" and the earths connected together also.
have found that method 2 is used if the person did not have the red & white switch wire cable or they had plenty of room for the larger cables in the wall cavity.
DO NOT USE THE NEUTRAL AS A SWITCH WIRE. IT IS ILLEGAL AND VERY DANGEROUS.
see.... air and water do mix 😉
1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro
1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro
amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism
3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·
All done for fan number 1 and I havent died yet. Now onto fan 2.
Been putting in ceiling fans. They are remote control with light... all I had to do was take the 2 wires from the light fitting and connect to the fan + run an earth. Shitloads simpler than the ones I put up in my house. :thumb
thanks all for the help.
Been putting in ceiling fans. They are remote control with light... all I had to do was take the 2 wires from the light fitting and connect to the fan + run an earth. Shitloads simpler than the ones I put up in my house. :thumb
thanks all for the help.
68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --
11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
This is the main way its done these days... 2.
Fans should be connected to a Power circuits...
not the light circuits...
although they are not going to cause any problems...
Lee
Fans should be connected to a Power circuits...
not the light circuits...
although they are not going to cause any problems...
Lee
blutopless2 wrote:
2. run the main cable down to the light switch and a second cable to the light.
in the switch area the two reds are connected to either side of the switch ie common and normally open side... then the neutrals (black) are connected together in the terminal marked "loop" and the earths connected together also.
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---
amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism
3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·
should be? Its supposedly a 90W when using a 60W globe. Since 100W globes are readily available I assume the light circuit can handle it with ease. It must be safe, the chinese instructions tell me to do it that way.
Just as an aside, what does an earth wire do? When the light an Electrician installed in my old house had a wire short on the housing, the earth wire did stuff all, I was thrown off the bed regardless when changing a globe one day. And in this house, when you turned the oven on you got zapped when touching the sink. A spark came and said it was something to do with a bare earth wire and put an insulated one in. 2 instances when earth wires seemingly proved useless. I thought if you got an open circuit to earth a fuse should blow? (not that it would blow fast enough to save a life)
Just as an aside, what does an earth wire do? When the light an Electrician installed in my old house had a wire short on the housing, the earth wire did stuff all, I was thrown off the bed regardless when changing a globe one day. And in this house, when you turned the oven on you got zapped when touching the sink. A spark came and said it was something to do with a bare earth wire and put an insulated one in. 2 instances when earth wires seemingly proved useless. I thought if you got an open circuit to earth a fuse should blow? (not that it would blow fast enough to save a life)
71EJVan Officially Full-On Dubber
352 posts · joined Aug 2005 ·
Remember one flash and you're ash!
Any of you guys an electrician?
Any of you guys an electrician?
A VW for everyone!!
1972 1302 German Look
1971 Bay Panel with Subaru EJ20T
1970 Type 3 squareback in progress
1971 Type 3 notchback in progress
1972 1302 German Look
1971 Bay Panel with Subaru EJ20T
1970 Type 3 squareback in progress
1971 Type 3 notchback in progress
amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism
3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·
im a 4 time survivor 🙂
68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --
11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Does sound dangerous...
Earth wires went to everything in the old days when globe holders and switches had brass or copper covers..
so that saved you getting electrocuted...
as all metal fittings stoves washing machines toasters etc all were earthed...
I once lived in a house where I used to get a shock everytime I touched the hot water tap in a shower...
Nowdays most new appliances have only two wires...
these are labelled "Double insulated"
so the old earth wire is disappearing...
Just to be safe, You need to buy a "Bodyguard Safety switch"... [ring grip brand]
this is an earth leakage device that just plugs into a power point and You can plug something into it,
but while its plugged into a power point it will protect that circuit ... and if there is a leakage it will switch off faster than You can be electrocuted.
All New houses for the past 10 years or so have had these fitted in the fuse box...
I also have an extension cord with one of these devices on the end...
You shouldn't have any problems with the fans...
Lee
Earth wires went to everything in the old days when globe holders and switches had brass or copper covers..
so that saved you getting electrocuted...
as all metal fittings stoves washing machines toasters etc all were earthed...
I once lived in a house where I used to get a shock everytime I touched the hot water tap in a shower...
Nowdays most new appliances have only two wires...
these are labelled "Double insulated"
so the old earth wire is disappearing...
Just to be safe, You need to buy a "Bodyguard Safety switch"... [ring grip brand]
this is an earth leakage device that just plugs into a power point and You can plug something into it,
but while its plugged into a power point it will protect that circuit ... and if there is a leakage it will switch off faster than You can be electrocuted.
All New houses for the past 10 years or so have had these fitted in the fuse box...
I also have an extension cord with one of these devices on the end...
You shouldn't have any problems with the fans...
Lee
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---
barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem
9,473 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·
take a note from an electronic tech work with one hand in your pocket so if you get zapped it doesnt go across your heart
“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
the chaos project - click me
the chaos project - click me
swish1 Officially Full-On Dubber
264 posts · joined Feb 2005 ·
Take it from an electrician of too many years if you have to ask questions you should not be doing your own wiring .
YOUR DEAD FOR A LONG TIME IF YOU STUFF UP
[ Edited on 3-2-2007 by swish1 ]
YOUR DEAD FOR A LONG TIME IF YOU STUFF UP
[ Edited on 3-2-2007 by swish1 ]
i started with nothing and have most of it left !
andrewmurphy Officially Full-On Dubber
307 posts · joined Jul 2005 ·
I second that.
"Take it from an electrician of too many years if you have to ask questions you should not be doing your own wiring .
YOUR DEAD FOR A LONG TIME IF YOU STUFF UP"
I have seen plenty of dodgy home handy man wiring. It is against the law, it is dangerous and it can void any insurance you may have if your house burns down.
And when you do call in an Elec to fix your work it will cost you more in the long run.
DONT DO IT IT IS NOT WORTH IT!!!!!
PS anyone getting a boot of your taps needs to get an elect in to make sure that thier water pipes have neen earthed properly.
"Take it from an electrician of too many years if you have to ask questions you should not be doing your own wiring .
YOUR DEAD FOR A LONG TIME IF YOU STUFF UP"
I have seen plenty of dodgy home handy man wiring. It is against the law, it is dangerous and it can void any insurance you may have if your house burns down.
And when you do call in an Elec to fix your work it will cost you more in the long run.
DONT DO IT IT IS NOT WORTH IT!!!!!
PS anyone getting a boot of your taps needs to get an elect in to make sure that thier water pipes have neen earthed properly.
blutopless2 DAMSLO
2,457 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·
yep... sparky here....
your ceiling fans can be wired into the lighting circuit as long as they are under 100W... as is the case with exhaust fans in bathrooms etc they will also be wired into the lighting circuits.
the earth wire is there to protect against electric shock by providing a secondary path from the GPO, light fitting or whatever back to the main earth grid.
In the case of an equipment fault the active or neutral will come in contact with the metal frame and hence the earth wire... this will then blow the fuse or trip the breaker feeding the circuit.
this is to protect you from touching the metal parts and getting a zap.
but as stated above..... use an electrician.
your ceiling fans can be wired into the lighting circuit as long as they are under 100W... as is the case with exhaust fans in bathrooms etc they will also be wired into the lighting circuits.
the earth wire is there to protect against electric shock by providing a secondary path from the GPO, light fitting or whatever back to the main earth grid.
In the case of an equipment fault the active or neutral will come in contact with the metal frame and hence the earth wire... this will then blow the fuse or trip the breaker feeding the circuit.
this is to protect you from touching the metal parts and getting a zap.
but as stated above..... use an electrician.
see.... air and water do mix 😉
1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro
1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro
amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism
3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·
I got an electrician to install a light... it blew me off the bed when I tried to change the bulb. Switch was off. So screw that I installed 6 fluoros, 2 ceiling fans, extra power points with no problems.
The chances of me paying $300 to get an electrician out to swap 2 wires from a light into 2 wires from a fan when its as simple as saying which wire is active the one from the switch or the one from the circuit....... about 1000:1 I'd say. How many people on this forum that are not qualified mechanics have made changes to their car that can possibly mean life or death. Change a steering box and not tighten the bolts properly? Suspension mods, rear axle nuts, wheel nuts, brakes? I wouldnt try wiring a whole house or touching anything inside a fuse box... but ceiling fans are almost as simple as changing a light bulb when the person doing it has common sense.
Besides I cant die from electric shock, I'm a poor conductor. Apart from the adult experience on the bed as a child I.....
Vaccumed a sink of water with an old vaccum cleaner and got zapped.
Decided that an extension cord was too long so cut it with a knife, (while plugged in and switched on) blowing a hole in the knife.
In a house my parents rented in NZ it had GPO outlets that were supposed to be internal, screwed to wall studs. I put my hand around the back to support the braket when I couldnt get a plug in. That one bloody hurt, it really gave my shoulder a thump.
[ Edited on 4-2-2007 by amazeer ]
The chances of me paying $300 to get an electrician out to swap 2 wires from a light into 2 wires from a fan when its as simple as saying which wire is active the one from the switch or the one from the circuit....... about 1000:1 I'd say. How many people on this forum that are not qualified mechanics have made changes to their car that can possibly mean life or death. Change a steering box and not tighten the bolts properly? Suspension mods, rear axle nuts, wheel nuts, brakes? I wouldnt try wiring a whole house or touching anything inside a fuse box... but ceiling fans are almost as simple as changing a light bulb when the person doing it has common sense.
Besides I cant die from electric shock, I'm a poor conductor. Apart from the adult experience on the bed as a child I.....
Vaccumed a sink of water with an old vaccum cleaner and got zapped.
Decided that an extension cord was too long so cut it with a knife, (while plugged in and switched on) blowing a hole in the knife.
In a house my parents rented in NZ it had GPO outlets that were supposed to be internal, screwed to wall studs. I put my hand around the back to support the braket when I couldnt get a plug in. That one bloody hurt, it really gave my shoulder a thump.
[ Edited on 4-2-2007 by amazeer ]
koolkarmakombi enkarmarising
2,078 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·
Amazeer,
I had a great photo of a timber home made power point to show you but cannot find it.....
kkk
I had a great photo of a timber home made power point to show you but cannot find it.....
kkk
This disclaimer does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog: don't quote me on that; don't quote me on anything; this disclaimer is subject to change without notice; text is slightly enlarged to show detail; resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental; dry clean only; do not bend, fold, or mutilate; anchovies or jalapenos added to this disclaimer upon request; your mileage may vary; no substitutions are allowed; for a limited time only while supplies last; offer void where prohibited; this disclaimer is provided "as is" without any warranties expressed or implied
amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism
3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·
Do electricians call a power point a GPO in general conversation or only when they are preaching?
BUGBOY Moderator Chief Toy Dude / Head Cruiser
2,147 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
You should be in LA mate as a stunt man!amazeer wrote:I got an electrician to install a light... it blew me off the bed when I tried to change the bulb. Switch was off. So screw that I installed 6 fluoros, 2 ceiling fans, extra power points with no problems.
The chances of me paying $300 to get an electrician out to swap 2 wires from a light into 2 wires from a fan when its as simple as saying which wire is active the one from the switch or the one from the circuit....... about 1000:1 I'd say. How many people on this forum that are not qualified mechanics have made changes to their car that can possibly mean life or death. Change a steering box and not tighten the bolts properly? Suspension mods, rear axle nuts, wheel nuts, brakes? I wouldnt try wiring a whole house or touching anything inside a fuse box... but ceiling fans are almost as simple as changing a light bulb when the person doing it has common sense.
Besides I cant die from electric shock, I'm a poor conductor. Apart from the adult experience on the bed as a child I.....
Vaccumed a sink of water with an old vaccum cleaner and got zapped.
Decided that an extension cord was too long so cut it with a knife, (while plugged in and switched on) blowing a hole in the knife.
In a house my parents rented in NZ it had GPO outlets that were supposed to be internal, screwed to wall studs. I put my hand around the back to support the braket when I couldnt get a plug in. That one bloody hurt, it really gave my shoulder a thump.
[ Edited on 4-2-2007 by amazeer ]
Sounds like your invincible.
Or just bloody lucky LOL
Everything 36HP !
Change over king and link spindles
6-12volt semaphores
Find us on Facebook
Change over king and link spindles
6-12volt semaphores
Find us on Facebook
blutopless2 DAMSLO
2,457 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·
cant speak for all... but at my work we use GPO when talking... coz there are more than one type.amazeer wrote:Do electricians call a power point a GPO in general conversation or only when they are preaching?
see.... air and water do mix 😉
1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro
1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro
Spook Driving the 64 wheeler
1,168 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Only two things in this world I'm afraid of.
Bullets & electricity.
I can't punch out either. 🙅
Bullets & electricity.
I can't punch out either. 🙅
Well my friends are gone & my hair is grey, I ache in the places where I used to play.